Thoughts and observations on the radio/TV station and wireless tower trading markets. A look at the impact and integration of new media into station operations.
Station values, stations for sale, radio and TV station news, towers, and more from a Director of Media Services Group and co-publisher of Inside Towers.

Friday, May 31, 2013

The tower industry is enjoying unprecedented growth with no end in sight. The carriers are continuing to build out and improve their networks. And the major tower consolidators have healthy appetites and deep pockets.

This has created enormous opportunity for broadcasters with undermanaged tower assets, and small and mid-sized tower companies. Many are making the decision to monetize their tower assets and they are being rewarded with excellent sale prices.

Media Services Group delivers “top dollar’ for our tower clients. We run a proven sale process, utilizing our database of tower buyers in tandem with our secure online data room. We know the tower business. Several of our partners own and manage towers. One built up and sold a significant tower portfolio.

Contact us for a confidential discussion about the value of your towers. Our tower marketing process is both efficient and effective. Closings often occur within 90 days of our engagement. Let us show you what we can do for you.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

"Inside Radio" ran an interesting story today on the state of
radio station trading ("Spring blossoming of mid-market deals"). The
article shared a few of my own thoughts and observations. You can check it out
by clicking HERE.GeorgeMedia Services Group

Monday, May 20, 2013

Eric Rhoads and Deborah Parenti staged their fifth annual Radio Ink Hispanic Radio Conference last week in Coral Gables. I attended to catch up on the growth story of Hispanic media in general, and radio in particular. It was my return visit, having last participated five years ago. They put on a great event at a wonderful venue (The Biltmore).

Geraldo Rivera (Cumulus Media Networks and the Fox News Channel) keynoted with an impassioned presentation on immigration reform. There were a number of excellent panels. Larry Rosin of Edison Research showed that Hispanic targeted media is benefiting from positive demographic trends. It appears to me that Hispanic radio will continue to be a growth business well into the future.

The show was well attended and provided an opportunity to say hello to a number of friends. You may want to consider putting it onto your calendar for next year.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

JVC Media, the leading
independent, locally owned radio broadcaster on Long Island, has entered into
an agreement to buy Asterisk Communication’s five Florida FM radio stations, WTRS, WMFQ, WXJZ, WBXY and
WYGC. JVC owns 4 FM radio stations on Long Island, WPTY, WBON, WJVC, WRCN
and operates Long Island Events, which manages the 7,000 seat outdoor entertainment
venue known as the Pennysaver Amphitheater.JVC was formed by broadcasting veterans John Caracciolo and Victor
Canales and is backed by Northwood Ventures.

102.3 WTRS is a heritage
Country station serving the Gainesville/Ocala Florida market with a legendary
track record of success and community involvement. Hot AC WMFQ, Q92
serves North Central Florida as one of the top rated music stations in the area
thanks to its great signal and award winning staff. WXJZ is a unique FM station
serving the Gainesville area with a smooth FM music mix format that has
developed a deeply devoted following. WBXY and WYGC, both Gainesville FM
stations make up the rest of this market dominating cluster.JVC Media has been in a
rapid growth mode, recently expanding on Long Island with its entertainment and
broadcast division adding jobs and staff and working hard to make radio local
and community friendly once again.JVC Media CEO, John
Caracciolo said, “We are honored and privileged to welcome these top performing
radio stations into the JVC family. The prior owner of these stations was committed
to community service, high quality broadcasting and creating an excellent work
environment for its staff, and we are proud to be able to continue the
tradition that Asterisk started in this great market”.JVC Media VP, COO Victor
Canales added, “We love this radio market, and we are excited to continue the
trend of fun, local radio in North Central Florida”.“We plan on adding staff in Florida and New
York and to make a big splash with marketing and programming when we begin
operating the stations”, he added.I represented the seller, Asterisk Communications. Congratulations to John and Fred on a great transaction!GeorgeMedia Services Group

The Seller, Tallgrass Broadcasting, is in receivership with David
Rhoades of Tulsa acting as Receiver. The Buyer, Tejas Broadcasting, is
headed by Jim Anderson and has other broadcast interests in Corpus Christi and
Amarillo.

Bill Whitley of the Dallas
office of Media Services Group served as the exclusive broker representing the
Receiver.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

"Buying Your First Radio Station" (white paper).
Click HERE to download (registration required)."Financing Broadcast Properties 101" (white paper). Click HERE to
download (registration required).Both papers are pretty basic, but may be useful to someone considering station ownership for the first time.GeorgeMedia Services Group

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Many television station owners are asking,
"How does the FCC's spectrum auction impact the value of my station?"

It is a good question. And for many
owners, the answer is equally good. Many are considering the option of
monetizing some or all of their TV assets to capitalize on the increasing
prices. Several have already done so.

If you would like to confidentially discuss
the value of your station in today's market, please give me a call. 904.285.3239

For a background post from David Oxenford about the Congressional authorization for the FCC Incentive Auctions, click HERE.

Eric Rhoads and Radio Ink are staging their Hispanic Radio Conference May 16 and 17 at the Biltmore in Coral Gables. This is a great event for anyone involved with Hispanic radio. I plan to attend again this year. If you are interested in getting together during the event to discuss station values and the trading marketplace, please get in touch.